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Posted: Aug 07, 2013

Thai National Nanotechnology Center celebrates 10-year anniversary

(Nanowerk News) Ten years have gone by quickly proving the saying that “time and tide wait for no man”. It was on August 13, 2003 that the Thai government approved the setup of the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) under National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST). One of its urgent tasks was the preparation of the 10-yearNational Strategic Framework in Nanotechnology for submission to the Cabinet via the National Nanotechnology Policy Committee. The task and framework are in line with the National Strategic Framework in Science and Technology approved by the Cabinet in 2004.

NANOTEC has come a long way since then and several accomplishments have come to bear. In the area of human resource, NANOTEC have successfully up its research pool to over 100 researchers and assistant researchers, carrying out research at our headquarters at Thailand Science Park. This is equivalent to 70% of the total NANOTEC staff. With regards to publication, NANOTEC researchers have published a total of 357 international publications. This is considered a significant number given our researcher pool.

NANOTEC research highlights have been forth coming in the last few years. This is normal as research projects takes time to complete. Some of the highlight projects include the SOS mobile water purification unit, the nano cosmeceutical QAcne pad made from encapsulation of mangosten extract, the Nano Bednet which contain nano scale long-lasting formulation of mosquito-insecticide, nano functional fabrics, controlled release fertilizer, and smart soil made from water hyacinth.

The last ten years have also seen an increase in the number of collaborative partnerships both local and international. The establishment of the Center of Excellence in Nanotechnology (COEs) with 8 leading Thai universities continues to help us leap frog our research initiatives. These partnerships have greatly helped to broaden our look on research from global aspects. NANOTEC also established strategic alliance with international nanotechnology centers and is playing leading role as one of the world-leading institutes.

Looking ahead

So, what is in store for NANOTEC in the coming 10 years? We will continue to concentrate our focus on R&D programs that will have impacts. In order to do this, we will initiate the Flagship program approach in which all researchers are encouraged to participate. All members of NANOTEC will have opportunity to actively participate for programs that are of interest to them thus creating a consensus environment. By implementing this approach, we hope to foster the importance of the need to be a research goal oriented agency. After all, our ultimate goal is to make NANOTEC synonymous with the term high technology and benefiting the country.

Last but not least, we would like to thank all of you our friends and partners who have worked with us throughout the ten years and who will continue to give us inspiration to undertake research activities that will have significant focus and societal impact.